The Windows Advanced Options Menu is accessed via F8 at boot. It does not automatically take you to safe mode. One of the options listed on factory Vista installs is Repair My Computer. That is what he is referring to. You can get to the same option (basically we're talking about Dell PCRestore) by booting to the Vista DVD and WinRE, as you stated.

Either way works. Your way just works whether the o/s was installed as an upgrade, clean install or factory install.

I think the main thing we need to know from the OP is whether this is a factory install, clean install, or upgrade.

It does seem like i or Dell has a problem with that and when my PC is restored to day one it will not let the burning software work it says the {trial}i can,t remember what the term was there has expired and will not work you have to remove it and reinstall from the CD then you get errors saying some{---} code{s} were not compatible with Vista.

And when i do have to restore to day one after it reboots i have to leave the DVD in the drive and do a repair because windows can not boot it has to write a new master boot record..

I hope I never have to go through this process. I also have a Inspirion 1501, and its my first laptop, not first PC (I have 3, plus one that has a 32" screen I must be blind). If I had to go through this process, would I have to use the cd's that came with the hardware that says they are already installed, I didn't need to even open them. I didn't even get any operating manuels or anything, just a warranty book. I figured everything I need to know is already installed in the help section. I am correct?